to Read a PDF on Acupressure for Labor Induction and Childbirth

22 Pages·2004·0.86 MB·English

Debra Betts - NZRN,MBAA,NZRA
ISBN 0-473-04467-6
Acknowledgements:

My thanks to those who gave their time and
experience to make this pamphlet a reality.

COPYRIGHT Debra Betts 2003 ©. All rights reserved.
ISBN 0-473-04467-6
The license attached gives people the right to distribute it entire, but not to alter it or take credit for it in any way.
I
NTRODUCTION
As an acupuncturist I have been promoting the of use acupressure for use during labour
since 1992. At first I was somewhat sceptical as to just how effective it would be, but felt
that acupressure would be at least be “helpful”.
Initially, although pleased with the positive feedback I was receiving from couples (with
women commenting on a reduction in the pain of contractions and feeling more in
control during labour), as an acupuncturist I considered that acupuncture would be the
preferred method of promoting pain relief during labour. It wasn’t until I used
acupressure during the birth of my second child that I understood just what the feedback
I had been receiving really meant.
This was not a case of “ that feels nice” or “I think this is useful” this was “come back and
press here, now!” For myself, pressure on Ciliao BL-32 appeared to half the intensity of
the contractions – so long as strong pressure with my partner’s knuckles was applied.
This effect lasted until early transition. The difference this made to my perception of
labour was unmistakable, no acupressure and within 2 to 3 contractions the intensity had
dramatically increased, direct acupressure and the intensity immediately diminished. I
had experienced acupuncture during my first birth (ear acupuncture and acupuncture to
Ciliao BL-32 followed by tens) and while at the time I thought it was useful, acupressure
provided a dramatic reduction in my pain perception. Acupressure allowed me the
advantage of unrestricted movement and the option of using water during the labour
and became my preferred choice for the birth of my third child.
The continuing feedback I receive from midwives and couples has led me to believe that
acupressure is capable of giving results that equal if not surpass the use of acupuncture
as a tool for pain relief in labour. Women consistently report a reduction in their pain
combined with an overall sense of calmness and a high level of satisfaction with their
birth experience.
In 1995 I followed up of a sample of 74 women that I taught acupressure to over the
period of a year, 88% percent of the women attempted to use acupressure. Of these
women, 86% used it successfully in labour to significantly reduce their pain. 66% using
terms such as “excellent” and “brilliant” to describe the effects. Of the four couples that
also tried using a tens machine, three discontinued, preferring to resume using
acupressure.
The acupressure points outlined in this booklet are easy to use, promote natural labour
and encourage close partner involvement. It is my hope that in the future acupressure
will be offered to women as part of their routine antenatal care.
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A
CUPRESSURE
This booklet outlines acupuncture points and details their use in acupressure. Each point
has been labelled - the letters indicate the name of the meridian pathway it lies along, and
the number corresponds to the position on that meridian. Extra points have been labelled
according to the body part.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are a series of channels that carry qi (energy)
through the body. These meridians are a separate system from nerves, blood vessels and
lymphatic ducts. They contain over 600 points. In restoring and balancing the bodies
energy through this meridian system acupuncture and acupressure promote changes to
improve the way the body functions.
In traditional Chinese medicine terms, I see these acupressure points as prompting the
body to work more efficiently. From a medical model, they can be viewed as, promoting
the release of endorphins, blocking the pain receptors to the brain, dilating the cervix,
and increasing the efficiency of the contractions.
USING ACUPRESSURE
• For the maximum benefit to be gained from acupressure, it is important that
the use of these points are commenced as early as possible. Women reporting
the highest satisfaction began using the acupressure points at the beginning of
their labour.
• Women and their support people need to continually try different acupressure
points during labour, deciding through the women’s feedback which points
are the most useful as she progresses through labour.
• These acupressure points are not to be used if they produce any discomfort, if
effective they will produce a pleasant sensation or noticeable effect that wears
off when discontinued.
• It is important for the support people to understand that this is not massage,
but rather direct firm pressure to a specific area. This is a very “hands on”
technique; no prior knowledge of anatomy or Chinese massage is necessary. If
these acupressure points are useful women will be able to give very clear
instructions to their support people exactly where and how much pressure is
required.
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Although I see acupressure as a useful tool for women, and one that is helpful in
promoting an efficient labour, I myself never had any intention of refusing available
western medical pain relief to prove that I could have a “natural childbirth”. It will be
obvious to the woman and her midwife or doctor if acupressure is providing adequate
pain relief, and if not, there are medical pain relief options available. It must also be
remembered that not all labours will go as planned and that western medical
intervention will always play an important role for a certain percentage of women in
childbirth.
There are acupressure points in this booklet labelled “To be used with caution in
pregnancy”. These are points that can be used to induce labour. Due to this effect they
should not be used with any strong regular pressure during a pregnancy. It is possible to
practice locating these points prior to labour but they are only to be used on a regular
basis if the intention is to promote labour.
How much practice is needed I leave up to the individuals to decide. I would suggest
that the support people need to feel comfortable locating the points on the woman’s
body. It is essential that the support people be guided by the woman's actual feedback
during labour as these acupressure points will often feel quiet different then from the
sensations felt during a practice session.
5
A
CUPRESSURE POINTS FOR PAIN RELIEF IN LABOUR
JIANJING GB-21
POINT LOCATION
When you draw an imaginary line between the bony prominence of the neck (C7), and the top of
the shoulder joint (the acromion process), this point lies midway along this curved line, at the
highest point of the shoulder muscle. It will feel tender with a numbing/ buzzing/ warming
sensation (this sensation varies with individuals). The sensation is stronger on this point than any
other points along this line You can find this point on yourself by bringing your hand diagonally
across your chest and palpating with your index finger along this “imaginary line.”
ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUE
• It is important that support people apply firm downwards pressure with their thumb/
knuckle/ elbow. This acupressure point responds to pressure, massaging and rubbing
the area can be irritating for women during labour.
• When using the thumbs the pressure needs to come from the arms rather than the
thumb joint - otherwise people will end up with very sore thumbs.
• It is not unusual for support people to resort to using the ends of two wooden spoons,
but it is preferable to start with using hands when possible. These acupressure points
are usually used with the support person applying pressure using their knuckles on
both shoulders together, but I know of women who have successfully used this on
themselves using only one shoulder at a time.
• The pressure can be applied at the beginning of each contraction or continual gentle
pressure applied that is intensified during contractions.
• This acupressure point has a descending action to aide the first and second stages of
labour and can stimulate uterine contractions.
This acupressure point is to be used with caution during pregnancy
6
CILIAO BL-32
POINT LOCATION
This acupressure point lies midway between the dimples above the buttocks and the lumbar
spine (please note that Ciliao BL-32 is not the dimple). If you cannot see the dimples clearly, It lies
approximately one of the women’s index finger lengths above the top of the buttock crease,
approximately one thumb width either side of the spine. When you place your finger on Ciliao
BL-32 you can feel the small depression of the sacral foramen where the point lies. As labour
begins you can start here and as the labour progresses move down the spine (approximately one
thumb width at a time moving slightly closer to the centre of the spine until as you arrive at the
top of the buttock crease, your knuckles will be touching). The timing of this movement
downwards will depend on the women, who will usually instinctually tell the support person to
apply pressure lower as the baby descends during labour.
ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUE
• The support person places their knuckles into the acupressure points and applies firm
pressure. This pressure can be increased by the women rocking backwards into the
support person at the beginning of a contraction.
• From feedback these appear to be the most frequently used points. Producing a
pleasant “anaesthetising” effect on the strength of the contractions, noticeably
“wearing off“ when the pressure is discontinued and building up again when
recommenced.
• There is a distinct sensation produced when you are pressing into the sacral foramen.
This may be felt as a numbness, warmth, tingling, aching or buzzing. If there is sharp
pain the support person is pressing on the surrounding bone and need to readjust
their pressure slightly.
• It is important to note that for some women the sacral foramen are not exactly in a
straight line. Be guided by the women’s feedback.
• This acupressure point is most frequently used with women leaning or kneeling
against a wall, table or bed. It can also be effectively used in water; it just requires a
little flexibility on behalf of the support people!
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BUTTOCK POINT
POINT LOCATION
This point is in a direct horizontal line from the top of the buttock crease. If you press along this
line there will be a tender point approximately two thirds of the distance between the buttock
crease and the hipbone.
ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUE
• When the support person places their hands on the woman’s hips they can push their
thumbs into this point, helping the woman to move in rotating movements during
contractions.
• This point can be used as the women enters transition, either with direct pressure or
combined with strong downward massage from Ciliao BL-32 out to this point.
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HAND POINTS
POINT LOCATION
These points lie along the creases of the hands where the fingers join the palm. These are said to
help release endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) into the body.
ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUE
• Women can hold a small comb in the palm of their hand so that the teeth of the comb
are touching these points. They can then grip the comb during contractions, applying
pressure to the level that feels the most useful.

9
Yongquan KID-1
POINT LOCATION
This point lies in depression found in the top one third of the sole of the foot. It can be easily
located as a depression formed when the foot is placed in planter flexion (by pulling the toes
towards the sole of the foot).
ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUE
• The support person can place strong pressure in this depression with their knuckle,
pushing inwards and upwards towards the big toe.
• This acupressure point has a useful relaxing effect and can be used at any time during
labour. It has been noted as being especially useful effective in producing a calming
effect during transition. It is easily accessed at this time if the woman is positioned on
her knees.
• This acupressure point is especially useful during a labour where there are feelings of
panic (for example, going into a labour with a unpleasant previous birth experience).
• This acupressure point can also be utilized by placing a seasickness band over the foot
so that the plastic press button lies over the point. In this way the point is stimulated
as the women walks around during labour.
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